The study showed that couples with joint bank accounts not only have better relationships, but they fight less over money and feel better about how they manage family finances.
The researchers recruited 230 engaged or newly married couples and followed them for two years as they began their married life together.
According to the Daily Mail, everyone started the study with separate bank accounts, some couples were instructed to keep their accounts separate, and others were asked to open a joint account instead.
A third group was also allowed to make the decision themselves.
The analysis found that couples who opened joint bank accounts reported significantly higher relationship quality two years later than those who had separate accounts.
The scientists said merging money means couples are more aligned in their financial goals and are more transparent with each other, and it also leads to a “shared understanding of marriage”.
“Those who merged accounts reported higher levels of social contact than people with separate accounts, or even those who partially merged their finances,” said study author Jenny Olson, of the Kelley. Indiana University School of Business.
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